Dont know if this is the right section but here goes.

I need energy credits.

With Random drops pretty much gone and needing to spend EC on this stupid S7 system im struggling with getting EC is there any other way to get the stuff other than buying lockbox keys and selling them as i dont really wanna do this TBH.

Any help would be appreciated thanks.

Sell 10 key packs or reinforcements duty officer packs. In other words, sell things with real money.

Good luck!

I've been limiping by with running SB 24 for the drops and such.

Also a hint on saving money, buying the items you need from vendors is cheaper than using the replicator. Find the commodity vendors, ESD and SB24 for the fed side and Frist City and Ganalda Space Station on KDF side have everything you need, and for roughly a third to a half off from the replicator at least.

Just do SB24, Gorn Minefield oder the Klings fleet action.
The loot there often sells for several millions EC.